Chelsea's Essien disappointed to miss Anfield leg

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The Ghana star is now suspended for the Champions League semifinal first-leg against Liverpool and told The Sun: "I was annoyed when I got booked against Fenerbahce but now I think maybe it helps a little bit because imagine if I was booked in the second leg of the semi and I missed the final.

"I would rather play in Moscow! So maybe it is worth it, though I love playing at Anfield.

"It's a very special place to play but I will just have to wait to play in the home leg."

Essien was part of the Blues side eliminated by Liverpool in a penalty shootout in last season's semi-final. And he reckons the pain he and his team-mates still feel will help them go one better this time.

He confessed: "It hurt a lot. To lose at the last match before what could be the biggest game of your career - a Champions League final - is very, very painful."